Nicola Sturgeon calls for Brexit transition extension because of new Covid mutation

"It’s now imperative that PM seeks an agreement to extend the Brexit transition period," Nicola Sturgeon said in a tweet on Monday morning. "The new Covid strain - & the various implications of it - means we face a profoundly serious situation, & it demands our 100% attention. It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit." On Saturday evening, Sturgeon announced a travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Sturgeon said that fast action was needed to control the new strain of coronavirus that has emerged that appears to be driving transmissions.. "That means people from Scotland not visiting other parts of the UK and vice versa," said the First Minister on Saturday. Scotland will also enter a three-week level four lockdown, commencing on Boxing Day. "If we act now, we can prevent a serious situation materialising. The advantage we have in Scotland, unlike the other countries of the UK, we do have the chance to act on a preventative basis," said Sturgeon. The lockdown will apply to most of Scotland. Only the islands will be exempt, with those areas being placed into level three restrictions. Schools also will be closed until January 18th, with exceptions being made for the children of key workers.